Variable-speed drive range extends to 11kW

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 18, 2007

The Varmeca is arguably the most versatile and convenient way for OEMs and machine builders to reap the rewards of true variable speed control in a wide range of common applications.

Simplicity never goes out of fashion; yet modern industrial applications need modern solutions.

The drawing together of these two concepts led Leroy-Somer to introduce its Varmeca motor with integral variable-speed drive in 2000.

Since its launch, Varmeca sales have seen a staggering 15-fold increase as more and more engineers realise the benefits of replacing outdated mechanical speed controls with a modern, yet very easy to use, electronic solution.

The rapid growth in demand has spawned a whole family of Varmeca products designed for different applications and industries.

The latest is the recently launched Varmeca 30, which has extended the Varmeca range up to 11kW.

Now available from 0.25 to 11kW and with shaft heights from 71 to 160mm, the Varmeca is arguably the most versatile and convenient way for OEMs and machine builders to reap the rewards of true variable speed control in a wide range of common applications such as pumps, fans and mixers.

Drawing on its extensive experience of alternator design, Leroy-Somer was able to overcome many of the problems associated with combining electronics with rotating machinery.

All Varmeca's electronics are potted into a specially formulated compound, designed to resist the effects of vibration and to even-out temperature hot-spots within the drive circuitry.

Combined with its IP65 rated, rugged aluminium enclosure, this superior design has contributed to Varmeca's historically low failure rate, even when employed in challenging industrial environments.

From the outside, Varmeca looks very much like a traditional, mechanically controlled motor: Its simple external speed-control potentiometer with optional start/stop switch makes the Varmeca easy to install and to use.

An externally controlled unit for start and forward/reverse is also available, with control being provided by a potentiometer or 0-10V analogue input.

But beneath the deceptively simple exterior lies a sophisticated electronic package, delivering all the power and flexibility of a modern variable-speed drive.

A wide number of parameters are accessible via PC or microcontroller, and the Varmeca is also capable of communicating with other devices via a number of popular industrial networking protocols, such as Profibus, DeviceNet and Interbus S.

Combining simplicity of purpose with sophistication of design, Varmeca enables significant improvements in performance, reliability and running costs for an extremely wide range of applications.

The ability to control motor speed without the use of inefficient electromechanical controls or throttling/damping makes applications like fans and pumps far more economical.

The ability to "soft-start" applications like mixers and conveyors greatly reduces the mechanical shock of starting and the associated wear and tear.

With energy efficiency and cost of ownership becoming increasingly important, Varmeca is very much a product for today: Sophisticated yet simple to use, Varmeca provides an elegant upgrade path for existing processes and machinery, and a cost-effective solution for new applications.